The start of a new year is a time of reflection—a chance to set new goals and consider the impact we want to make in the world. Some people resolve to travel more, take up a new hobby, or spend more time with loved ones. But for parents of sick kids, their wish for the new year is simple: good health and happiness for their children. 

This year, we invite you to make a resolution that truly counts—one that will leave a lasting impact on the lives of sick children for generations to come. By leaving a gift in your Will to Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation (SCHF), you can help create a future where every child receives the best possible care. 

Loma’s story: A gift from the heart 

Loma MacDonald didn’t have children of her own, but she was surrounded by them throughout her life. She had an unbreakable bond with her best friend, Teresa Pelli, and was close to Teresa’s children, Alexander and Sabrina. For nearly 50 years, Loma and Teresa were as close as family. 

Loma and her late husband, Norman, were passionate about helping others. After they retired, they began volunteering at their local hospital. This experience left a profound impact on them, and when it came time to plan their Will, they knew exactly what they wanted to do—leave a gift to support children in need. 

“Even though Loma and Norman didn’t have children of their own, they always had children in their lives,” says Teresa. “They believed in supporting others where they could, and it made sense for them to include a children’s charity in their Will.” 

Loma’s generosity extended beyond her lifetime. She wanted to ensure that sick kids would continue to receive the care they need, even after she was gone. When Loma passed away, Teresa, as the executor of her estate, carried out her dear friend’s wishes and delivered her final, heartfelt gift to SCHF. 

“It speaks for itself how generous in spirit, generous in her life and in her death, Loma was,” Teresa shares. “All she really needed to know was that the children were going to benefit.” 

A gift that inspired a new calling 

Honouring Loma’s legacy didn’t stop with her gift. Teresa felt so inspired by her friend’s generosity that she decided to extend it in her own way—by becoming a volunteer at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead. Twice a week, she dedicates her evenings to supporting parents and helping sick kids. 

One of the most meaningful aspects of her volunteering is assisting in the Edgar Stephens Ward, where she comforts babies with heart conditions and gives their parents a much-needed break. “The human touch is so important,” Teresa says. “Support for parents is more than just nine to five.” 

Looking back, Teresa realises that managing Loma’s estate helped her “connect the dots” to her own calling. “I had been thinking about volunteering for years,” she reflects. “But it wasn’t until I handed over Loma’s final donation and attended a hospital tour that I knew—I needed to be part of this.” 

Make your New Year’s Resolution count 

Loma’s story is a powerful reminder that the kindness we show today can change the future for sick kids. Whether it’s through a generous gift in a Will or dedicating time to help those in need, every act of giving makes a difference. 

You can create a legacy of hope and healing by leaving as little as 5% of your estate to SCHF. Your generosity will support groundbreaking research, life-saving equipment, and the highest standards of care for sick kids across NSW and beyond. 

This year, make your resolution truly meaningful. 

Leave a gift. Build your legacy. Change the future for sick kids. 

To learn more about leaving a gift in your Will, call 1800 770 122 or email the Planned Giving Team.